Cultural beliefs and spiritual wellbeing among Women experiencing religious trance
B. Valsaraj
December 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1703695 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Descriptive correlational survey |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Women who had experienced religious trance on the day of 'Siri jaatre' at Sree Veerabhadra Swamy temple, Hiriadka |
| Measures | Cultural Belief Scale, Spiritual Wellbeing Questionnaire |
| Key findings | All 31 women reported high cultural beliefs and high spiritual wellbeing, and the two were strongly correlated (r = 0.624). The authors argue that spirit possession is a culturally sanctioned, institutionalized means of expressing ego-dystonic impulses and thoughts. |
Abstract
Background : Every culture has unique ways of beliefs and practices with regard to religion and spirituality. Many rituals like possession, religious trance that are prevalent in society are considered normal especially when performed in a close community or group. Spirit possession is a culturally sanctioned, heavily institutionalized and symbolically invested means of expression in action for various ego 1 dystonic impulses and thoughts. Aim : was to assess the cultural beliefs and spiritual wellbeing among women experiencing religious trance. Methods : A descriptive correlative survey design was used. Thirty one women who had experienced religious trance on the day of 'Siri jaatre' (Annual festival held in the temple) at Sree Veerabhadra Swamy temple, Hiriadka were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used for the study were Demographic Proforma, Cultural Belief Scale and Spiritual Wellbeing Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis of the data. Results : Majority women were illiterate (67.7%), coolie workers (61.3%) and married (93.5%). All the women (100%) had high cultural beliefs and high spiritual wellbeing. There was high correlation (r=0.624) between cultural beliefs and spiritual wellbeing.